Phytochemical Quality Research Articles

Endophytic bacteria: a sustainable strategy for enhancing medicinal plant cultivation and preserving microbial diversity.

Endophytic bacteria, part of the plant microbiome, hold significant potential for enhancing the cultivation and sustainability of medicinal plants (MPs). These microbes are integral to many plant functions, including growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, traditional cultivation practices often overlook the importance of these beneficial microbes, leading to reduced crop yields, lower phytochemical quality, and increased susceptibility to diseases. The domestication of MPs and the use of chemical fertilizers disrupt the natural microbial diversity in soils, essential for the health and productivity of plants. This disruption can lead to the loss of beneficial plant-microbe interactions, which are vital for the production of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. Recent advances in microbiome research, supported by omics technologies, have expanded our understanding of how endophytic bacteria can be leveraged to enhance MP productivity and quality. Endophytic bacteria can directly boost MP productivity by promoting plant growth and health or indirectly by restoring healthy soil microbiomes. They can also be harnessed as microbial factories to produce valuable natural compounds, either by transforming plant-derived precursors into bioactive substances or by synthesizing unique metabolites that mimic MP secondary metabolites. This offers a sustainable and low-cost alternative to traditional MP cultivation, reducing the carbon footprint and preserving endangered species. In conclusion, integrating microbiome research with traditional agricultural practices could revolutionize MP cultivation. By focusing on the microbial component, particularly endophytes, we can develop more sustainable and productive methods for cultivating these plants, ultimately contributing to biodiversity conservation and the production of high-value natural products.

Determination of phytochemical quality of leaves Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. and Vaccinium myrtillus L. from the polluted and non-polluted areas

Elemental composition of Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. has not been determined yet in detail. In our study, a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray analyser (SEM–EDX) ensured the determination of 15 elements in the leaves of Vaccinium sp. growing in the control and the mine polluted locality. The soil elemental analyses showed a higher content of 11 elements from all determined in the mine-influenced samples. Elemental analyses of the control leaves showed the highest contents of all determined elements for V. vitis-idaea, except for carbon. The impact of pollution on V. myrtillus leaves caused significant increase in oxygen, natrium, magnesium, sulphur, chlorine, potassium and calcium content. The contents of carbon, nitrogen and silicon decreased substantially. In the case of the V. vitis-idaea leaves, the content of most of elements reduced, and in the case of six elements, even significantly. A significant increase was recorded for carbon, iron and copper. The effect of the environment has influenced the production of phytochemicals, assessed by HPLC–DAD. The production of flavonoids (hyperoside, isoquercetin) increased significantly in V. myrtillus and decreased to a detectable minimum in V. vitis-idaea. In the case of chlorogenic acid, arbutin and hydroquinone, their levels changed minimally in V. myrtillus, but significantly more in the V. vitis-idaea leaves. The importance of elemental analyses lies in detecting the presence of toxic elements or their harmful concentrations in plants that are the source of food or dietary supplements.

The ANTIOXIDANT AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF PHYLLANTHUS AMARUS

Phyllanthus amarus is a widely recognized plant that has been traditionally utilized to cure a variety of ailments. The current study explored the phytochemical and antioxidant characteristics of P. amarus methanol extract. Standard procedures were used to analyze: 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) percentage (%) inhibition, lipid peroxidation % inhibition, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). A higher quantity of the plant extract resulted in a greater inhibition of DPPH and lipid peroxidation percentage. The highest DPPH % inhibition (74.4%) and lipid peroxidation % inhibition (83.44%) were at 0.05 mg/ml while the lowest DPPH % inhibition (25.23%) and lipid peroxidation % inhibition (39.11%) was at 0.03 mg/ml (p < 0.05). The most prevalent compound was flavonoid, with a TFC of 460.22 µg/ml while the TPC was 7.428 µg/ml. Owing to its antioxidant and phytochemical qualities, P. amarus methanol extract may potentially find application in medicine.

Improvement of Hygienic and Phytochemical Qualities of Mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana) Peel by Irradiation

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of gamma ray and x-ray irradiation at different dose levels 95, 10, 15 and 20 kGy) on in mangosteen peel. The antioxidant activities were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), while total phenolic contents and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of 60 % ethanolic mangosteen powder extracts were analyzed. The results indicated that both types of ionizing radiations showed a non-significant decrease in measured parameters with increasing doses. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of irradiated mangosteen peel extracted against S. aureus and E. coli ranged from 0.125 to 2.0 mg/mL. The quantity of bioactive compound mangostin determined via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), did not show significant decrease with different irradiation sources and doses. In microbiological aspect, total yeast and mold from both irradiation sources were reduced by 1 log cycle after irradiation at 5 kGy. The irradiation induced color changes corresponding to Hunter color L a b value. X-ray irradiation caused slight color alteration compared to gamma rays. The advantage of x-ray irradiation was that it revealed non-significant changes in b values, whereas gamma irradiation showed the significant change in L, and b values with increasing dosage. The x-ray irradiation at the dose 5 kGy effectively decreased microbial contamination while causing minimal changes to phytochemical qualities and color. HIGHLIGHTS Irradiation at 5 kGy was sufficient to control microbial contamination There were no significant changes in antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP), a-mangostin contents, total phenolic contents (TPC) and antibacterial activities: after irradiation up to 20 kGy X-ray irradiation was an excellent alternative to gamma irradiation for decontamination with a non-significant alteration in b values. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Effect of Tapioca and Tragacanth based edible coatings on the physiological, chemical, microbial, and phytochemical quality of Tomato fruits

AbstractIn recent years, edible coatings have emerged as a promising solution to extend the shelf life, and maintain the quality of fruits and vegetables. The purpose of the study was the development and application of gum Tragacanth and Tapioca‐based edible coatings to extend the storability and quality of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L). Different treatments were prepared with combinations of Tragacanth gum (0.5, 1, 1.5 g) and Tapioca (1, 1.5, 2 g). Parameters such as weight loss, sugars, decay percentage, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, antioxidant capacity, phenolic and flavonoid contents, microbial counts, and sensory evaluation were measured during 14 days storage. Results revealed that the application of gum Tragacanth and Tapioca‐based coatings significantly reduced weight loss, decay percentage, and microbial counts of treated tomatoes as compared to the control group. The coated tomatoes exhibited improved sensory features, with a slower rate of softening, during the storage. There was a significant increment in total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity of coated fruits during 7 days of storage. The observed improvements in the postharvest quality attributes suggest that the gum Tragacanth and Tapioca‐based edible coatings have the potential to retain and enhance the nutritional and bioactive contents and shelf life of tomato.

Common Bean Suppresses Hepatic Ceramide Metabolism in a Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

Background/Objectives: The incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition linked to the ongoing obesity pandemic, is rapidly increasing worldwide. In turn, its multifactorial etiology is consistently associated with low dietary quality. Changing dietary macronutrient and phytochemical quality via incorporating cooked common bean into an obesogenic diet formulation has measurable health benefits on the occurrence of both obesity and hepatic steatosis in C57BL/6 mice. Methods: A cohort of C57BL/6 mice were randomized into experimental diets containing multiple dietary concentrations of common bean. The primary endpoint of this study was comparing metabolomic analyses from liver and plasma of different treatment groups. Additionally, RNA sequencing and protein expression analysis via nanocapillary immunoelectrophoresis were used to elucidate signaling mediators involved. Results: Herein, global metabolomic profiling of liver and plasma identified sphingolipids as a lipid subcategory on which bean consumption exerted significant effects. Of note, C16 and C18 ceramides were significantly decreased in bean-fed animals. Hepatic RNAseq data revealed patterns of transcript expression of genes involved in sphingolipid metabolism that were consistent with metabolite profiles. Conclusions: Bean incorporation into an otherwise obesogenic diet induces effects on synthesis, biotransformation, and degradation of sphingolipids that inhibit the accumulation of ceramide species that exert pathological activity. These effects are consistent with a mechanistic role for altered sphingolipid metabolism in explaining how bean inhibits the development of MASLD.

Enhancing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) yield and nutrition quality through hydroponic cultivation with treated wastewater

Utilizing treated wastewater for crop cultivation is essential in regions with scarce freshwater resources for irrigation. This study evaluated the growth, fruit yield, nutritional and phytochemical quality of tomato fruits cultivated using a treated wastewater-based hydroponics system developed for the Trans Himalaya, India. Tomatoes grown with treated wastewater exhibited better growth, yield, nutritional content, phytochemical properties, and antioxidant activities than those grown in soil. Specifically, the lycopene and β carotene were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in tomato fruits cultivated in treated wastewater (0.05 ± 0.00 and 0.09 ± 0.00 mg/g) than soil (0.02 ± 0.00 and 0.01 ± 0.00 mg/g). Also, significantly (p < 0.05) higher carbohydrate and protein contents (55.91 ± 1.19 and 21.34 ± 0.31 mg/g, respectively) were obtained under-treated wastewater than soil (39.48 ± 0.07 and 18.52 ± 0.10 mg/g). Similar trends were also obtained in phytochemicals and mineral analysis. However, morphological, proximate, and phytochemical characteristics of tomatoes in nutrient and wastewater-based hydroponics were comparable. Treated wastewater offers eco-friendly benefits for quality crop production.

Effects of different drying methods on phytochemical quality and microbial load of Satureja spicigera

Effects of different drying methods on phytochemical quality and microbial load of <i>Satureja spicigera</i>

Phytochemical quality analysis of commercial preparations containing Echinacea purpurea

Phytochemical quality analysis of commercial preparations containing Echinacea purpurea

Genetic dissection of moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) gene pool for leaf micronutrient and phytochemical qualities for bio-fortification

Genetic dissection of moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) gene pool for leaf micronutrient and phytochemical qualities for bio-fortification

Nutraceuticals: An alternative to pharmaceuticals

The study is aimed to highlights the different aspects of nutraceuticals including market trends, difficulties, and the processing methods used to harness natural resources. A very broad "nutraceutical" rise has been caused by the nutraceuticals' reach for healthcare management of chronic disorders. The majority of settings had a negligible impact on inadequate eating and lifestyle choices. Research on nutraceuticals is very important and reasonably priced. The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are facing difficulties as a result of its financial system. It has been found that nutraceuticals contribute to the prevention of infection and cancer and have a positive effect on immune system and cardiovascular health. Based on their composition and mode of action, nutraceuticals are categorized into classes. The many kinds of nutraceuticals and their potential therapeutic effects in illness, such as their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-lipid properties, will be discussed in this review. Additionally Over the last fifty years, lifestyles have been significantly impacted by urbanization, the rate of industrialization, and rapid change. which resulted in the formation of a junk food eating habit.The ability to eat healthily is impacted by these practices, which gradually reduce the quantity and quality of nutrients consumed. Dementia, starvation, and degenerative diseases are becoming more common as a result of the population’s changed eating habits. In recent years, people’s worries about their health and ability to receive healthcare have grown. Nutraceuticals are essential for boosting immunity without compromising the body’s natural defenses. Nutraceuticals are present in active foods, designer meals, medical diets, dietary supplements, and other diet regimens that offer additional health benefits. Nutrient-rich foods help with a number of bodily functions, including the prevention and treatment of diseases. The medicinal plant offers a range of phytochemical qualities to address different medical issues.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, Physico-Chemical and Sensory Properties of Yam-Based Cookies Produced from Flours of Five Yam Varieties

The aspiration to reduce post-harvest losses of yams via the promotion of utilisation of the abundant readily available raw materials for industrial purposes and production of health-enhancing foods prompted this research. This work focused on evaluating the phytochemical, antioxidant, physicochemical and sensory properties of yam-based cookies produced from the flours of five yam varieties. Established standard procedures were used in all analyses. Results showed; Phytochemical compounds such as phenols, flavanoids, alkaloids and tannins were found present in the yam-based cookies in the range of 0.24- 0.37mg/100g, 0.26- 0.40 mg/100g, 0.6- 2.13mg/100g and 0.01- 0.17mg/100g. Saponin was not detected in all the yam flour cookies. Only a trace of 0.05 mg/100g was observed in wheat flour cookies (the control), Antioxidant activities of the yam-based cookies revealed that DPPH, FRAP, MCA, HRSA and SRSA ranged from 41.19-84.32, 0.29-0.95, 34.15-78.51, 29.64-69.54 and 24.13- 81.52 accordingly. Gluthanion was used as standard. The general trend observed was that, in all cases; sample HKC had the least antioxidant activities, OGC and ARC had higher antioxidant activities among the yam-based cookies, while GSH (the control) had the highest. The proximate values for Moisture, ash, crude fiber, crude protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy of yam-based cookies ranged from 7.31- 8.80%, 1.10 - 2.30%, 0.13 – 4.27%, 8.53-10.48%, 2.24 – 3.84%, 73.70-78.38% and 334.06-359.28 Kcal/100g. Physical properties of the Yam-based cookies such as diameter, width, thickness, weight, Spread ratio, spread factor and fragility ranged from 3.70-4.67 cm, 23.93-28.00 cm, 2.63-4.33cm, 5.16-9.67g, 0.83-1.64, 54.63-106.84 and 430.00-790.00g respectively. Cookies from all samples showed good physical quality features for the production cookies and biscuits. Sensory properties such as appearance, texture, crispiness aroma, taste and general acceptability of yam-based cookies ranged from 5.32-8.30, 6.48-8.44, 7.50-8.44, 6.36-7.68, 7.48-8.50, and 6.30-7.84 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Data from this study proved that it was feasible to produce acceptable cookies from the flours of the five yam varieties selected. Overall, samples GBC and ARC cookies competed favorably with the control-wheat cookies and are recommended for mass production. In Particular, sample ARC also combined good nutritional, phytochemical quality and strong antioxidant activities that could be of health benefits to consumers.

Physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of healthy juices containing aloe vera gel and probiotics and their antidiabetic effects on albino rats.

The consumption of fruit and vegetable juices is widely recognized as a healthy choice across all age groups. Orange, carrot, and aloe vera are renowned for their functional properties and health benefits. In this study, we investigated the potential incorporation of aloe vera gel into blended orange and carrot juices. We also evaluated the resulting mixed probiotic juices (chemical, microbiological, and sensory aspects) during a 14-day storage period at refrigerator temperature. The chemical composition and phytochemical structure of aloe vera gel were examined, followed by an assessment of the biological effects of these healthy juices on diabetic albino rats. The results indicated improvements in total soluble solids, reducing sugars, and total sugars with increasing storage duration. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that incorporating aloe vera into the natural mixed juices enhanced their phytochemical quality. The treatment supplemented with aloe vera gel gave the highest total content of phenolic and flavonoid substances, which were 310 mg of GAE/100 g and 175 mg of quercetin/100 g, respectively. Probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis Bb12, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299V, and Lactobacillus acidophilus L10) exhibited good viable cell counts in orange and mixed orange and carrot probiotics juices with viable counts of 7.42-8.07 log CFU/mL. Regarding sensory attributes, the study found that increasing the ratio of orange juice improved the taste while increasing the ratio of carrot juice enhanced the color in juice mixtures. Incorporation of aloe vera into mixed natural juices also enhanced the reduction of blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, creatinine, ALT, AST, and urea levels while increasing total protein and HDL levels in diabetic rats. Based on these findings, oranges, carrots, and aloe vera offer the potential to produce new, flavorful, nutritious, and appealing juices. Moreover, this study determined that a functional juice with favorable sensory properties can be created by blending 75% orange juice, 20% carrot juice, and 5% aloe vera gel. Additionally, aloe vera demonstrated greater efficacy as an antidiabetic agent in rats. Further research is suggested to explore the potential advantages of aloe vera gel and probiotic juices in mitigating diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.

Proximate Composition, Comparative Phytochemical Analysis, and HPLC Profiling of Various Solvent Extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis Leaves

Choosing the right solvent in herbal preparation is very important for extracting bioactive compounds from medicinal plant, as it greatly affects the yield and quality of phytochemicals obtained. This study aimed to investigate the proximate composition, phytochemical analysis and HPLC profiling of various solvents extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis leaves, a medicinal plant used in herbal remedies. The dried leaves of Anthocleista djalonensis were analyzed for their nutritional profile using standard methods. The leaves were then extracted by maceration using three different solvents: 95% analytical ethanol, hot distilled water, and local gin (78% alcohol). Various phytochemicals in the extracts were identified and quantified using standard analytical methods. Additionally, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to compare the chemical compositions of the extracts, using a reverse-phase C18 column and UV detection at 254nm. The results of the proximate analysis revealed good nutritional value, with protein (15.90%), moisture content (9.08%), total ash (10.37%), crude fibre (4.00%), crude fat (2.40%), carbohydrate (61.53%), and an energy value of 331.33 KJ. All tested phytochemicals were found in the ethanol and local gin extracts, while the distilled water extract showed the absence of terpenoids and steroids. In the quantitative analysis, the local gin extract had the highest concentrations of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins. On the other hand, the HPLC fingerprint analysis identified seventeen (17), twelve (12), and nine (9) compounds in ethanol, local gin and water extracts respectively. Four (4) shared peaks with similar retention time were observed across all extracts, indicating the presence of common phytocompounds. In conclusion, this study shows that Anthocleista djalonensis leaves have good nutritional values, suggesting their potential as dietary phytonutrient. Local gin stands out as the best solvent among those tested for extracting beneficial compounds from Anthocleista djalonensis leaves supporting its traditional use as solvent in herbal preparation.

Physio-chemical and Phytochemical Characteristics of a Lesser-known Wild Edible Fruit of Mizoram, Elaeagnus pyriformis Hook. F. (Family Elaeagnaceae): Need for its Proper Domestication

The lesser-known yet incredibly nourishing wild edible fruit Elaeagnus pyriformis Hook.f. is found in the north-eastern mountainous states of India. Elaeagnus pyriformis fruits were collected from three villages in Champhai District, Mizoram, with the goal of analysing their physio-chemical and phytochemical qualities in order to determine its potential for domestication. Measurements were made of the fruit's physical characteristics, including its length, diameter, weight, and moisture content. Juice was extracted, and total soluble solids (TSS), titrable acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, total sugar, non-reducing sugar, and sugar:acid ratio were among the chemical parameters that were examined afterward. The existence of several beneficial substances was determined by phytochemical screening. Physical and chemical differences between the samples from various villages were found to be significantly varied, according to the results. Ruantlang produced the highest titrable acidity, whereas Zotlang had the maximum fruit weight, length, TSS, reducing sugar, total sugar, non-reducing sugar, and flavonoid content. Fruit diameter, the ratio of sugar to acid, and the total phenolic content were all highest in Hmunhmeltha. The fruit's phytochemical examination identified flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides.

The proximate composition and phytochemical screening of Momordica Balsamina (balsam apple) fruit and leaves

Malnutrition is a global issue that affects both children and adults irrespective of their socio-economic status. It is therefore important to find various means to tackle malnutrition. This is especially important as undernutrition and overnutrition can be linked to a variety of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, this study aimed to gather more insight into the nutritional and phytochemical quality of Momordica balsamina leaves and fruit (fruit pericarp, fruit flesh and seeds). The results showed that M. balsamina had a nutritional composition that would be advantageous to the human diet. The nutritional quality was verified by the presence of a high protein percentage across all samples (19.72–29.08%), with the leaves containing the highest protein content (29.08% ± 0.77). There was also a low-fat content present across all samples which ranged from 1.03% to 2.40%. The ash content indicated the presence of total minerals to be adequate (2.93–21.16%), where the pericarp had the highest ash quantity (21.16% ± 0.09). Overall, the moisture levels were low (7.11–13.40%); with M. balsamina seeds containing the highest carbohydrate content (67.84% ± 0.30). Moreover, rich in the major phytoconstituents, M. balsamina extracts were found to contain alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids and triterpenoids. Based on these findings, it can be deduced that the incorporation of M. balsamina into an individual’s diet could prevent diseases associated with malnutrition and could be used to supplement the human diet in managing certain NCDs.

Light-Induced Antioxidant Phenolic Changes among the Sprouts of Lentil Cultivar.

Lentil is a leguminous crop with a high content of health-beneficial polyphenols. Lentil sprouts are popularly consumed in fresh vegetable markets, although their phytochemical qualities are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the accumulation of phenolics in lentil sprouts in response to photosynthetic and stress light qualities, including fluorescent light (FL), red LED (RL), blue LED (BL), ultraviolet A (UV-A), and ultraviolet B (UV-B). Three lentil cultivars, Lentil Green (LG), French Green (FG), and Lentil Red (LR), were used to evaluate sprouts grown under each light condition. The adequate light intensities for enhancing the antioxidant activity of lentil sprouts were found to be 11 W/m2 under photosynthetic lights (FL, RL, BL), and 1 W/m2 under stress lights (UV-A, UV-B). Subsequently, HPLC-ESI/Q-TOF MS analysis was conducted for the quantitative analysis of the individual phenolics that were accumulated in response to light quality. Four main phenolic compounds were identified: ferulic acid, tricetin, luteolin, and kaempferol. Notably, tricetin accumulation was significantly enhanced under BL across all three lentil cultivars examined. Furthermore, the study revealed that the other phenolic compounds were highly dependent on FL, BL, or UV-B exposure, exhibiting cultivar-specific variations. Additionally, the antioxidant activities of lentil extracts indicated that BL was most effective for LG and FG cultivars, whereas FL was most effective for enhancing antioxidant activity of LR cultivars as the sprouts grew.

Synergism of sonication and microwave on phytochemical and physicochemical capacity of sugarcane-mint blend juice

The sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) juice, a beverage with fascinating track record of health promoting potential, loaded with phenolics, flavonoids, the bioactives, is capable of high antioxidant activities. The mint is a reliable herbal plant, with loads of phytochemicals and hundreds of food applications. However, sugarcane juice added with mint is normally consumed without any processing and preservation. Therefore, it is important to employ green processing technologies on sugarcane-mint juice blend, in order to process and preserve this nutritional juice with optimum retention of bioactives. In the current study sugarcane-mint blend juice was developed to study the synergistic effect of sonication (20 kHz, 70% amplitude, 5, 10 and 15 min) and microwave (90 °C, 400 W, 120 s) on pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC) and antioxidant activity of developed beverage, at 7 days interval, during 21 days of storage period. Increment in sonication time and advancement in storage days, both resulted in an increase in pH, and decrease in titratable acidity and TSS of blend juice. Sonication for 15 min along with microwave exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05) results in terms of rise in TPC, TFC and antioxidant ability of blend juice, as compared to 10 and 5 min, sonication. Whereas, untreated juice samples exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less contents of TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity, which were further significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased during 21 days of storage. Our results highlighted the significance of synergism of sonication and microwave in improvement of physicochemical and phytochemical quality of sugarcane-mint blend juice.

Effect of drying type on the physicochemical and phytochemical properties of young and mature Moringa oleifera leaves

Biochemical differences in response to dehydration methods in Moringa oleifera leaves were studied in moringa young and mature leaves. Sun drying, oven drying and Shade-drying were applied to leaves samples. After drying, leaves were powdered and subjected to physicochemical and phytochemical analyses. The results showed a lower concentration of physicochemical components in shade-dried moringa leaves excepted moisture content. However, shade-dried M. oleifera leaves showed higher phytochemical components than sun and Oven-drying leaves without significant difference (p˂ 0.05) between young and mature leaves. Furthermore, shade-dried drying leaves had better antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.072 mg / ml for mature leaves and IC50 = 0.049 mg / ml for young leaves) than sun and oven-dried leaves. The shade-dried technique would be therefore the most recommended for preserving physicochemical and phytochemical quality. However, the higher moisture content of shade dried leaves could be a source of micro-organism proliferation when the powders are stored.

Mycorrhizal Biotechnology Reduce Phosphorus in the Nutrient Solution of Strawberry Soilless Cultivation Systems

Among the bio-tools that contribute to making the strawberry production system more sustainable are arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which can be used as biofertilizers. Thus, five doses of phosphorus (P) applied to plants with AMF and a control (100% P, no AMF) were analyzed in order to differentiate the horticultural potential of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. We used an on-farm inoculant made up of six fungal species. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the addition of AMF to the growing substrate made it possible to reduce the P supply in the nutrient solution by 75% without compromising the fruit yield. In addition, this combination improved the phytochemical quality of strawberries, the plant’s root system morphology, and the accumulation of nutrients in plant organs (roots, crowns, aerial part and fruits). We conclude that the use of a multi-species on-farm inoculant based on AMF associated with a reduction in the P supply in the nutrient solution modifies the horticultural potential of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. We confirmed the action of a native AMF community as a biofertilizer.